How Long Should Rental Appliances Last—and When to Swap Them Out

From fridges to dryers, here’s how to know when replacement is worth it.

 When one tenant moves out and another is about to move in, most landlords go through the usual turnover checklist—fresh paint, deep cleaning, maybe new flooring. But what about the appliances?  The major appliances are a major part of how tenants will experience their home on the day to day. Refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, washers, and dryers are more than just conveniences they are the work horses of a home.  The question of whether to repair or replace them isn’t always simple or straight forward. Factors like age, condition, energy efficiency, and tenant expectations all play a role, and some may weigh more heavily at different times. Here’s a room-by-room look at when it makes sense to invest in replacements and when repairs may be enough.

Refrigerator
We’ll start in the kitchen, with arguably the most essential appliance in any home, the refrigerator. Most refrigerators last between 10-12 years these days, but issues will show up sooner. Frequent breakages, odd noises and inconsistent cooling are all examples of warning signs. An unreliable refrigerator isn’t just an inconvenience to your tenants, it can lead to spoiled food and possible illness. 

If your current refrigerator is pushing a decade, it’s a good time to start saving up. While a good repairman can surprise you, miracles aren’t in our repertoire. If something is well and truly dead, repair isn’t always an option. Modern models also offer energy savings that your tenants will appreciate, especially if they’re paying the electric bill. A sleek updated fridge also makes the space instantly more appealing to prospective renters. 

Courtesy of USDA

Tip: if you don’t replace all of the appliances, make sure that the refrigerator matches the finish of all of the other appliances in the kitchen. When in doubt, this can be achieved by using contact paper, as we covered last week. Mismatched appliances make the kitchen feel disjointed and piecemeal. 

Oven and Stove
Like refrigerators, ovens, and stoves will typically last you about 10 to 15 years. The good news is that burners and heating elements can often be replaced, as can many electronic components. However, consistent problems and failing controls are warning signs that you’ll need a replacement sooner rather than later. 

Courtesy of LG

If your range is still functional, consider whether it benefits you to upgrade it at this point. While an electric stove will quickly show its age based on the features it has, a gas stove that’s well maintained is harder to tell. So, you might not need to yet. On the other hand, an energy-efficient model cuts down on utility costs, and a brand new range can make the entire kitchen feel fresh and exciting with new features, often justifying a slightly higher rent. 

Tip: Gas stoves are often seen as a premium feature, but electric models tend to be easier and cheaper to maintain in rental settings. Choose based on your tenant demographic and property type.

Dishwasher
Dishwashers will typically last between 8 & 10 years, which is shorter than other major appliances, due to how hard they work. Over time they can start to leak, make noise and smell making which are signs a repair is needed, and possibly a replacement. .

While a broken dishwasher may not seem like an urgent repair, it’s definitely one you’d want to either replace or repair before new tenants move in. In a competitive market like Dallas, Frisco and McKinney, many tenants view it as a must-have. Offering a reliable, modern suite of appliances in the kitchen, including the dishwasher, can make your property stand out. And because new dishwashers are more water- and energy-efficient, replacing an aging one saves everyone in the long run. 

Tip: Consider mid-range models with stainless steel interiors—they’re durable, quieter, and more appealing to prospective tenants.

Washer

 A top-loading washer typically lasts about 10 years, while a front-loading one can last up to 12. Signs it may be time for replacement include leaks, excessive shaking, banging, and difficulty draining. In a rental, where machines see heavy and sometimes rough use, washers may wear out faster.

Courtesy of RDNE Stock project

Offering an in-unit washer is a big selling point for tenants, especially younger renters or families who value convenience. If your washer is more than a decade old, replacing it before a new tenant moves in can prevent future complaints and add appeal to your listing.

Tip:Top load washers are often cheaper, but they aren’t as appealing, and can be a hassle for accessibility. Make sure to consider your demographic when looking at a new one. 

Dryer
Dryers generally last 10 to 13 years. While they’re fairly simple machines, problems like inefficient drying, overheating, or loud thumping noises can signal that it’s nearing the end of its life.

Courtesy of LG

Replacing an unreliable dryer doesn’t just improve tenant satisfaction—it also reduces the risk of safety issues. Lint buildup in older dryers can be a fire hazard, making proactive replacement a smart investment.

Tip: Make sure dryer vents are cleaned between tenants. This simple step extends the life of the appliance and improves safety.

Replacing appliances between renters can feel like a big expense, but it’s often a smart, long-term investment. Updated, efficient appliances not only reduce repair calls but also help attract and retain quality tenants who are willing to stay longer and pay a little more for modern conveniences.

If you’re unsure whether to repair or replace, consider the age of the appliance, how often it’s been serviced, and whether it’s meeting today’s efficiency standards. In many cases, replacing an outdated model before it becomes a problem saves money and stress down the line.

And if you ever run into trouble with your refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, washer, or dryer, you don’t have to tackle it alone. Appliance Rescue Service is here to help keep your home running smoothly. Call us for an appointment whenever you need a maintenance run, or a repair.

Call: (214) 599-0055

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Additional Reading

Quick Fix or Costly Mistake? Myths About Appliance Repairs

Laundry 101: Extend the Life of Your Washer with These Tips

The Risks of DIY Appliance Repairs and How to Avoid Them

Home Appliance Lifespans: What Every Homeowner Should Know

Get the most out of your home’s appliances with this handy room-by-room breakdown.

When you're handed the keys to your first home, there's a lot to figure out. If you're lucky, the previous owner or your realtor leaves behind a neat binder detailing everything that’s been done to the house during their tenure. But most of us aren't that lucky. Instead, we’re left guessing—when was the last pest treatment? Has the dishwasher ever been cleaned? Were the appliances repaired or just limping along?

Keeping your appliances happy and healthy is the key to making them last. This also means knowing how long your appliances should be kept, as well as how long you should reasonably expect them to work. This week, we're taking a look at all of the appliances in your home in a room-by-room breakdown. You'll get a better idea of the average lifespan you should expect from your appliances, along with some tips and tricks.

Owning a home for the first time comes with a steep learning curve. You suddenly become the plumber, the repair technician, and the budget analyst all in one. No more calling the landlord when something breaks—now it’s up to you to spot problems before they turn into expensive repairs.

Whole Home Systems

There are four major systems that care for your entire home. Each of these varies in terms of how long they last, but all have the same thing in common: they are meant for the comfort of your home.

These aren’t the glamorous purchases you imagined when you dreamed about homeownership, but knowing how long your systems last can save you thousands. Most first-time homeowners are surprised to learn just how much routine care these systems need to stay functional.

Thermostats

Your thermostats can last up to 35 years. Thermostats can last up to 35 years, though we usually upgrade them long before then to keep up with changing technology. So long as you replace the batteries regularly and keep them updated, they should last you for a long time.

Air Conditioners

Second, we have our air conditioners. These come in three different varieties: your whole-house HVAC systems, wall or window units, and then portable ones. Portable units will vary between 5–10 years because they're often built to be lighter and thus aren't up to rigorous use. Wall and window units will typically last for 10 years, if cared for well, with consistent filter cleaning. Finally, your HVAC units will last between 15 and 20 years, especially if cared for regularly and maintained.

Furnaces & Boilers

Next up is your furnace and your boiler. These will often last about the same amount of time, so we've put them together. On average, these last the second longest in a home, second only to the thermostats. With electric units, they last the least amount of time, clocking in at roughly 15 years. Gas units will range from 18 to 20 years, thanks to being of simpler design. And finally, units that run on oil will last the longest, at 21 years. With regular maintenance and annual checkups, you can help your furnace and boiler reach the upper end of their lifespan.

Water Heaters

Finally, for our whole home section at least, we have water heaters. This time electric heaters will actually last longer at 11 years, while gas heaters typically only last for 10. The one that blows both of them out of the water though is tankless water heaters. If you haven't heard of these, they work on an ‘as needed’ basis only heating water when you use it. Because of that, they can last for twenty years or more!

If this is your first home, there’s a good chance no one told you that your water heater could flood your garage or closet if it fails. It’s not just about hot showers—it’s about knowing when to flush the tank or check for leaks before they become emergencies.

🧺 Laundry Room Appliances

Let's move on to our next area, the laundry room. As we talked about in the past, both your washer and your dryer need regular cleaning and maintenance in order to keep them in peak working condition. If you're just moving into your home, you'll want to check both appliances thoroughly, inspecting seals, vents, and filters to make sure they were well-maintained.

One thing no one tells you as a new homeowner: your appliances aren’t “set it and forget it.” Regular maintenance—yes, even cleaning your washer—can make all the difference between an appliance that lasts five years or fifteen.

Washing Machines

Courtesy of RDNE Stock project.

Your washing machine will typically last around a decade, give or take a year. The biggest things to remember are to keep the seals cleaned, and to keep an eye on the filters. If the seals get damaged, you'll be dealing with water getting everywhere. If the issue is the filters getting clogged, then your washer will struggle to work.

Dryers

Moving on to the dryer, this is another where you need to pay close attention to your filters. As usual though, we recommend cleaning the filter after every use, just so that it stays a habit. There's also the dryer vent on the back, which needs to be cleaned once a year. If you do both of these things, not only will this reduce fire risk, but you should also expect your dryer to last roughly 13 years.

👩‍🍳 Kitchen Appliances

Refrigerators

Your refrigerator is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home. It is constantly running, working to keep your food at 35 degrees. That means that you need it to keep running for as long as possible. Fortunately, your refrigerator, when treated right, will typically last you between 11 and 14 years. The best way to do this is to make sure you keep things open rather than packed completely full, and to vacuum the coils twice a year.

Courtesy of Kristoferb

If you’ve never owned a fridge before, you might not realize it needs regular care. Cleaning the coils and giving it breathing space aren’t just nice-to-haves—they keep your fridge from overworking and dying before its time.

Freezers

For freezers that are attached to a refrigerator, the lifespan will naturally be the same. What about the ones that are on their own though? Freestanding freezers, chest freezers and the one you keep out in the garage just for storing extra meat? For those you want to defrost as needed and make sure that the vents are kept clear. If you do that, your freezer should live for around 11 years.

Dishwashers

If you go to your dishwasher right now, you should find in the bottom of it a filter that you can twist out and remove. While it varies depending on the model, it is almost always there. Why? Because that catches the food debris that gets rinsed off your plate. Unlike old dishwashers that would catch and grind up the food, these just catch the food. That means that caring for your dishwasher means cleaning out the filter monthly. Additionally, you’ll want to run it regularly so that you can prevent failure of the door seal. Doing these things will make your dishwasher last between 9–12 years easily.

Ranges & Stovetops

Courtesy of Rangemaster

Ranges and stovetops are coming in three major varieties right now: electric and gas, with the new contender being induction. Induction stoves are still relatively new, so their average lifespan isn’t well-established yet. Electric stoves will last between 12 and 13 years while gas stoves will last between 14 and 15. The biggest difference is that electric stoves have more bits and pieces within them that can go wrong sooner.

As you get settled into your new home, we hope that you'll keep in mind the importance of regular maintenance. Whether you do it yourself or call us, taking care of your appliances means they'll take care of you.

Being a homeowner means learning as you go—and that’s okay. Whether you’re figuring out where your furnace filter is or learning the hard way that dishwashers have filters, every small win makes you a more confident homeowner. And when in doubt, our team is always just a call away.

Reminder: if an appliance is acting up before its ‘end of life’ time period, it could be worth repairing it now rather than replacing it outright.

That’s where our team at Appliance Rescue Service comes in. Whether you’re setting up your new home or fixing a long-standing issue, we’re here to help. Together we'll find a time and date that works for your schedule to send out our technicians and get your home running smoothly again.

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Call:(214) 599-0055